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Test of English as a Foreign Language, TOEFL®

What is the TOEFL® test?
The TOEFL® test measures the ability of non-native English speakers to use and understand the English language as it is heard, spoken, read and written in the university classroom.What is the difference between the TOEFL iBT® and TOEFL® PBT tests?
The TOEFL test is offered in two formats: the TOEFL iBT® Test is administered via the Internet, and the TOEFL PBT test is administered in a paper-based format. The format you take depends on your testing location. Test centers that do not have Internet access offer the TOEFL PBT test.

The TOEFL iBT test measures reading, listening, speaking and writing skills. It is offered 30 to 40 times a year, and is administered online via computer at more than 4,500 testing sites in 165 countries. Most test takers take the TOEFL iBT test.

The TOEFL PBT test measures reading, listening, grammar and writing skills and is offered six times a year in areas where Internet-based testing is not available.

Do I have a choice of which format to take?
The format of the test depends on your testing location, the capabilities of the testing center and any accommodations required for special needs.

Who Takes the TOEFL iBT Test?
Each year, nearly a million individuals of all ages take the TOEFL test to demonstrate their English-language proficiency. More than 25 million people from all over the world have taken the TOEFL test since it was first offered. The average English skill level ranges between Intermediate and Advanced.

Students planning to study at a higher education institution

English-language learning program admissions and exit

Scholarship and certification candidates

English-language learners who want to track their progress

Students and workers applying for visas

Who Accepts TOEFL iBT Test Scores?
More than 8,000 colleges, universities, agencies and other institutions in over 130 countries accept TOEFL scores. Other organizations rely on TOEFL scores as well:

Immigration departments use them to issue residential and work visas

Medical and licensing agencies use them for professional certification purposes

Individuals use them to measure their progress in learning English

How do I know what an institution's score requirements are?
Each institution sets its own score requirements. You can start your score requirement research with the TOEFL® Destinations Directory and then contact the institution for more specific requirements. If you're applying for postgraduate studies, find out if your institution requires other tests, such as the GRE® (Graduate Record Examinations®) test. For more information on this test, go to GRE® test.

How do I find testing locations and dates?
Choose an available test date from among 4,500+ testing locations in over 165 countries. Register online, by mail, by phone or in person. See TOEFL iBT® test dates and locations below

Can I take the test in one day?
Yes, the test is given in one day. The test takes about four hours, but with check-in you should plan to be at the test site for at least four and one-half hours.

Can I retake the test?
Yes, you can retake the test as many times as you wish. There is no passing or failing test score — score requirements are set by each higher education institution or agency.

What Resources Can Help Me Prepare for the TOEFL iBT Test?
ETS offers a variety of paid and free preparation materials to help you get ready for the TOEFL test.

What Does the TOEFL iBT Test Cost?
The cost of the test can range from US$160 to US$250 and varies between countries.

General Information
The TOEFL® test is administered by the Educational Testing System (ETS)